Bangor Municipal Golf Course is not among those that will open this week.

“We’re still dealing with frost issues,” said head pro Brian Enman. “But we probably won’t be far behind.”

Frost hasn’t been a concern for Melino and Allen.

“It’s not that deep and not that much,” said Melino. “It’s still pretty firm out there.”

Overall, PVCC came through the winter well, he said.

“It’s in fantastic shape,” Melino said. “The super walked it the last couple of days, and there was no disease. The greens are good and the fairways are good.”

Melino credits new drainage for helping them open early.

“All the bunkers have new drainage so they dry faster, and other areas have had new drainage put in, too,” said Melino. “That allows us to get carts on the course faster.”

The putting green will be open, also, but the driving range won’t open until May.

Melino is glad that Penobscot Valley is able to open this early.

“We try to give our members, and the local community, the longest season we possibly can,” he said, pointing out that the 2011 season never closed.

“We had a tournament Jan. 1,” said Melino. The club closed the next day for its short winter’s nap.

Little more than three months later, the golfers have sprung up like crocuses.

“I started seeing people out here last week,” said Melino of the members who were itching to play. “The beginning of last week, we had cross country skiers out here. Two weeks later, we’ll be open for golf.”

Only a few people showed up Thursday and Friday to play a few holes, said Melino, but it has been picking up.

“At least a dozen played a full nine holes, and I think one group played all 18,” he added.

Melino, who plans weddings and other events for PVCC year round, is the only employee who works through the winter. He is happy to see the players for a second reason.